White Council

Seven days later, the great hall in Imladris, also known as Rivendell, was filled with an almost palpable tension. On this day in the year 2953 of the Third Age, the most powerful and wise beings of Middle-earth had gathered: the White Council. This significant assembly was convened to discuss the growing evil in the eastern lands and the threat posed by Sauron, the Dark Lord. Additionally, Gandalf and Elrond wanted to discuss another issue: the awakening of Narzug the Mist Demon and the consequences it could have.

In the early morning hours, the first members of the council arrived. The first to appear was Saruman the White, the chairman of the council. His tall figure, dressed in a simple yet radiant white robe, entered the hall with majestic dignity.

Following him was Gandalf the Grey, known for his wisdom and his ability to uncover even the darkest secrets. His grey robe and tattered hat gave him a rather unassuming appearance, but his eyes sparkled with intelligence.

Elrond, the lord of Rivendell, and Galadriel, the lady of Lothlórien, were already present. Both elves exuded a sublime grace and wisdom that spoke of their millennia-long experiences. Elrond, with his keen eyes and serious gaze, seemed like a guardian of ancient secrets, while Galadriel, with her dazzling beauty and deep, all-penetrating wisdom, drew everyone's attention.

Radagast the Brown, the nature friend and protector of wildlife, appeared a bit later, accompanied by birds and small forest creatures that had followed him to the gates of Rivendell. Despite his scattered nature, he was an important part of the council, especially due to his deep understanding of the forces of nature.

Elrond rose from his seat and greeted the attendees with a serious expression. "Welcome, noble friends and guardians of Middle-earth. We have gathered today to discuss the growing threat of darkness. Its power is strengthening and our time is running out. We must act wisely and decisively."

Saruman stepped forward and began to recount the recent events. "The orcs are multiplying again in the Misty Mountains and reports of Sauron's activities in Mordor are increasing. It seems as though he is gathering his forces to strike once more against the free peoples."

Gandalf, who had already delved deeper into the matter, raised his voice: "I am convinced that he is searching for something... We must not waste any more time. We must act before his power becomes unstoppable."

The council spent hours analyzing the reports and observations. Galadriel spoke of the dark omens she had seen in her dreams and visions. "The realm of shadow is expanding and the light is waning. We must proceed united and with determination."

Radagast reported on the changes in nature, on restless animals and withering plants, all signs of the dark presence. "The forests and animals suffer under the growing power of the enemy. We must protect and preserve the natural cycle."

A heated discussion ensued on how best to proceed. Saruman, who had his own plans, argued against a direct confrontation. "We must not attack Sauron directly, it would be like stirring a hornet's nest. A surprise attack could provoke a counterattack."

Gandalf, on the other hand, was more assertive. "You are right, we must not underestimate his strength. However, a direct attack could have devastating consequences for Sauron. We should gather our forces and proceed strategically. The people of Gondor and Rohan must be prepared."

During the discussion, Gandalf also brought up the topic of the One Ring. "There is a possibility that Sauron is searching for the One Ring. We know that he needs this ring to regain his full power. We must take all clues seriously."

Saruman shook his head and spoke firmly: "The One Ring was lost long ago. There is no reason to believe that Sauron has found it or that it will ever be found again. The ring was carried away over the Anduin into the sea and lost forever."

Gandalf disagreed: "We must not dismiss this possibility lightly. If the ring were indeed found, Sauron's power could become immeasurable. We must remain vigilant."

However, Saruman insisted on his opinion. "It is futile to search for the ring or worry about it. Our attention should be focused on the immediate threats."

After long debate, the council agreed on a plan. They would warn the free peoples and prepare for the future but not attack directly.

Before the council ended, Gandalf spoke earnestly to the attendees once more. "There is another matter weighing on my heart. It concerns Narzug the Mist Demon and the massacre of Fornost."

Elrond added: "A heavy blow for the Free Peoples. Only a few Rangers remain in the north. Fornost, once one of their strongest fortresses, is now again a deserted ruin. Only one managed to survive, and this only thanks to the timely arrival of Gandalf and me. The hope of the West, Aragorn, son of Arathorn, was hanging by a thread when we found him. He will have to remain in bed for many years, and whether he will ever wield a weapon again is uncertain..."

"Narzug the Mist Demon, if he is the evil in the north, then he is not an orc..." said Galadriel with her angelic voice.

"I have fought him before; he is older and more powerful than the orcs. My guess is that he is a Boldug of Morgoth!" Gandalf agreed.

"That is not the ancient evil I spoke of, Gandalf... The beings to which I suspect Narzug belongs have been on Arda longer than the Valar and Maia!" Elrond disagreed.

Galadriel agreed and explained: "Deep within, deeper than any dwarf mines, they live... The Nameless Ones... When they crawl into the sun, the Valar called it Awakening. They were then given a new name... The High Elves called them 'Embodiment of Emotions.' Created by emotions that were emanated when the harmony and dissonance of the Creator's song resonated and were thought into reality."

"I remember... Eight awoke over the millennia and were given a name!" Saruman exclaimed.

Galadriel nodded: "The first Nameless Creature to see the sun was the Personification of Love. Her first name was quickly forgotten as she loved the wrong man, Morgoth... from love came hate and Ungoliant was born.

Next came Joy, and he still dances merrily through his forest, Tom Bombadil. Then came Apathy, Jormundur, who also fell to Morgoth.

Finally, Eru Ilúvatar recognized that love was missing in the world and created new love in all its facets from a river, Goldberry.

The next three also followed the evil, but I only know the name of one. The Personification of Rage, Ancalagon the Black, the most terrifying and powerful of the dragons.

The last one was hidden by the Valar and the elves were only given a name. The Embodiment of Hope.

I fear now the Ninth has awoken."

"Do we know which emotion he is the embodiment of?" Saruman pondered.

"I would suspect Greed..." Elrond continued: "His song sang of almost nothing else."

"Greed... We should kill him before he becomes stronger and eventually joins Sauron," Radagast exclaimed.

"Greed is not good at all," he lamented afterward.

"Just because greed is a negative emotion doesn't mean this Narzug is fundamentally evil. We should much rather try to win him for my... our cause and keep him away from evil, not drive him further towards it with violence!" Saruman admonished.

"I will take care of him! If he is too corrupt, I will end him!"

The other members nodded in agreement, only Gandalf was not 100% convinced.

"Is Narzug good or evil? My heart tells me both... but which is true?"

With these words, the meeting of the White Council ended. The members left the hall with a mixture of determination and concern. Each of them knew that the coming days and years would be crucial for the fate of Middle-earth. The darkness had cast its shadows, but the light of hope still flickered in the hearts of the Free Peoples.

The meeting of the White Council in the year 2953 of the Third Age marked the beginning of a new era in the history of Middle-earth. The decisions made there would determine the course of the upcoming wars and the fate of the free peoples. The wisdom and determination of the council members, their ability to work together, and their unwavering belief in the good were the foundations for the fight against the looming darkness.

If they had only known that there was a traitor in their lines.

As Gandalf set out to unite the free peoples, and Saruman made preparations for his search for Narzug, a tense silence prevailed in Middle-earth. The inhabitants of Middle-earth could feel the approaching threat.

--

Hello Maggots!

The age of Men is over. The time of the Orcs has come.

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